December 30, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback
Cameron Ward, the first overall pick back in April, has completed 59.6% of his passes for 3,117 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his first year in the NFL. He's added 148 rushing yards and a score while also fumbling a league-high 11 times (losing seven). Ward's 79.8 passer rating ranks 26th out of 27 qualifying QBs. He's been sacked 55 times, tied for the most in the NFL. The 23-year-old came into the NFL with a sharp learning curve after spending most of his college career in an Air Raid system. Ward has made some wow plays with his strong arm, but "there are some around the NFL who are concerned his accuracy will have a ceiling if he doesn't refine his mechanics," according to The Athletic's Jeff Howe. Ward's scrambling ability can help him compensate for some of it, but in the long term, he could be inconsistent if he doesn't clean up his mechanics.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jeff Howe
December 30, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic seems to have avoided major injury, but he will still be out for at least a month. After leaving Monday's game against Miami, Jokic was diagnosed with a hyperextension in his left knee. While he will miss at least four weeks, tests show that his knee ligaments are intact. Jokic will be the fourth Nuggets' starter sidelined, since
Christian Braun (ankle),
Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and
Cameron Johnson (knee) are already dealing with injury. Jokic could return towards the end of January or early in February before the All-Star break, although it depends on how his recovery progresses.
Jonas Valanciunas will be the primary replacement for Jokic, and the veteran should be a solid contributor for as long as Jokic is out.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Shams Charania
December 30, 2025
The Buffalo Bills announced on Tuesday that they re-signed wide receiver/return specialist
Mecole Hardman to their practice squad. The Bills will reunite with Hardman after cutting him over the weekend. The 27-year-old has appeared in only two games with Buffalo this year and hasn't caught a pass on just one target. On special teams, he returned a kickoff 61 yards and recorded four yards on two punt returns. There's no guarantee that Hardman will be elevated to the active 53-man roster again for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Jets or for the postseason. If Hardman does see action for the Bills again, it will most likely only come via a special-teams role.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
December 30, 2025
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that rookie running back
Jaydon Blue could get some snaps on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. The Cowboys have nothing left to play for but pride, and fellow RBs
Javonte Williams (shoulder) and
Malik Davis (eye) are banged up, potentially leading to Blue playing for the first time since Week 8. The 21-year-old has only seen action in four games in 2025 in his first year in the NFL, carrying the ball 22 times for 65 yards while adding one catch for a five-yard gain. The Cowboys essentially benched Blue in favor of Davis after the fifth-rounder lost a fumble in the Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. Depending on the statuses of Williams and Davis this weekend, though, Blue could be in play as a DFS sleeper against the G-Men.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
December 30, 2025
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that running back
Rico Dowdle (toe) did not practice on Tuesday due to a sore toe, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. The Panthers are hopeful that he'll be ready for Saturday's big divisional showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18 to decide the NFC South. Dowdle is considered day-to-day, and the Panthers wanted to give him a rest day in the first official practice of the week. As long as the 27-year-old can practice on Wednesday or Thursday, he should be fine to play in the regular-season finale. Many teams across the league will be resting players in Week 18, but not the Panthers, as they seek to win the division and secure a playoff spot. Since his last 100-yard game on Nov. 2, Dowdle has gone over 50 rushing yards three times in seven games, although one of those came in last week's loss to Seattle. Dowdle will be on the RB2/3 borderline for fantasy managers this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: Panthers.com - Darin Gantt
December 30, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Mike Gesicki has seen his snap share drop steadily over the past three games. Now, with nothing but divisional pride on the line in a Week 18 matchup with the Browns, there is no guarantee of playing time for the 30-year-old veteran in the first year of the three-year deal he signed this offseason. For fantasy managers still playing into Week 18, there are more alluring names to be found on the waiver wire, with a pleasant number of NFL teams still playing for something in the final week of the regular season. Gesicki did finish as the TE2 as recently as Week 14, so he does represent a ceiling uncommon to the waiver wire, but with an unclear picture of how the Bengals are approaching the end of the season, he is best viewed as a desperation-only play in deeper leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Tennessee Titans tight end
Chig Okonkwo has finished as a top-five fantasy tight end in back-to-back weeks, helping to secure titles for the few brave managers who dared to stray from the consensus start/sit path. Okonkwo played a similar championship-winning role last season, gathering 22 receptions for 182 yards from Weeks 15-17. For fantasy managers still playing in Week 18, he becomes an interesting name on this week's waiver wire as the Titans prepare to face a Jaguars defense that has been a bottom-10 unit at defending the position. An important thing to note is that in Week 18 of 2024, Okonkwo saw only a 5% snap share. However, with an interim head coach and an unlikely shot at the number one overall pick, there is a greater expectation that Tennessee will play its starters on Sunday.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Auburn quarterback Deuce Knight is officially entering the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Knight was a true freshman in 2025 and tallied 437 total yards and six touchdowns in two game appearances. The Mississippi native was the No. 6 quarterback recruit in the country in the class of 2025 (247Sports). With Hugh Freeze out at Auburn and Alex Golesh in, the Tigers could be targeting former South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown to be their starter in 2026. Knight showed big-time upside in limited playing time on The Plains, so he should fetch plenty of interest on the crowded quarterback transfer portal market.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
December 30, 2025
Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy (shoulder) said he did not have limitations in practice this week, and he is ready to go against Georgia in the College Football Playoff on Thursday. The SEC's second-leading rusher (1,366 yards) was banged up in the first-round win over Tulane, but he's listed as probable, and it sounds like he'll carry a full workload. Lacy led the conference with 21 rushing touchdowns this season, and Ole Miss establishing a ground game against the Bulldogs could be key to upsetting Kirby Smart and company.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
December 30, 2025
Philadelphia running back
Tank Bigsby is rostered in fewer than 20% of redraft leagues, but depending on how the Eagles approach the final week of the regular season, he could be a league winner for fantasy managers with a Week 18 title game. Philadelphia is locked into either the number two or number three seed in the NFC playoffs, and it remains unclear how much matchup manipulation they intend to take into Sunday. If the Eagles opt to rest their starters against a Commanders defense that has been the fourth most favorable matchup for fantasy running backs, Bigsby could be in line for a huge week. In a Week 8 win over the Giants, in which
Saquon Barkley saw his lowest snap count of the year, Bigsby ran for a season-high 104 yards and finished as the RB20 on the week. If Barkley is rested for the final game of the year, Bigsby has RB1 potential and should be a waiver wire priority in any league that has yet to be settled.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Cleveland Browns undrafted rookie running back
Raheim Sanders was a popular waiver wire add in Week 17, with
Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) lost for the year and
Dylan Sampson's status uncertain heading into a divisional matchup with the Steelers. Sampson was eventually cleared to play despite his hand injury, and neither rookie was able to do much in a 13-6 win. Approaching a Week 18 matchup with the Bengals with no playoff implications, we've reached the point in the year where many teams opt to see what they've got in some of their unproven rookies. Unfortunately, Sampson also fits into this category, so another frustrating split is entirely possible. However, if either back is given the majority of the work, Cincinnati has been the most generous defense to opposing running backs all season long, providing an opportunity for one final RB1 performance.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals running back
Samaje Perine has finished as a low-end RB2 in each of the past two weeks without cracking a 40% snap share. If the Bengals opt to rest or limit their starters, including the surging
Chase Brown, Perine could be in line for a solid workload in a Week 18 matchup against the Browns with nothing but divisional pride on the line. Even if Perine maintains only his usual change of pace and mop-up duties, he has enough of a floor to keep him in consideration for a flex role against a Cleveland defense that just allowed 131 yards on the ground to a Steelers offense with no threat of a passing attack. Readily available on most waiver wires, Perine should be a top priority in any league with a Week 18 title game.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles have a chance to move up to the No. 2 seed for the NFC playoff picture, but NFL Network's Mike Garafolo believes that the Eagles will rest some starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders. Head coach Nick Sirianni said on Monday that the team has not decided what they will do this weekend. If Philly does decide to rest some starters to keep them fresh for the postseason, fantasy managers could be without the likes of quarterback
Jalen Hurts, running back
Saquon Barkley, and wide receivers
A.J. Brown and
DeVonta Smith. If Hurts sits this weekend,
Tanner McKee would get the starting nod under center for the Eagles. Running back
Tank Bigsby could be a popular DFS play in Week 18 if Barkley is rested against the Commanders.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
December 30, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys released cornerback Trevon Diggs on Tuesday, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Diggs will go through the league's waiver process, and if he's unclaimed, he'll become a free agent. The 27-year-old defensive back missed more time due to injury this year -- he missed eight games due to a knee injury -- and the Cowboys had seen enough. The former second-round pick in 2020 out of Alabama had a league-high 11 interceptions for Dallas in 2021 in his second year in the league, but Diggs has had six interceptions since and has struggled to stay healthy. In his eight games played in 2025, he had 25 tackles (18 solo), one tackle for loss, and no interceptions. Diggs has $8.5 million remaining on his salary and also has the potential to make $34 million in 2027 and 2028, so he's highly unlikely to be claimed by another team off waivers.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
December 30, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic about the availability of wide receiver
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) for Sunday night's big divisional clash against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Austin was inactive for the Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns, a game in which Pittsburgh was also without
DK Metcalf (suspension). Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers really struggled with a receiving corps consisting of
Adam Thielen,
Marquez Valdes-Scantling,
Scotty Miller,
Roman Wilson, and
Ben Skowronek. Metcalf will be out again for Sunday night's game that will decide the AFC North division, but it looks like Austin could be back. The 26-year-old has done very little for fantasy managers in 2025 (28 catches, 317 yards, two touchdowns), but he could operate as the Steelers' WR1 against Baltimore.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
December 30, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic about All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt's (lung) chances of playing this Sunday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. "We'll work him up over the course of the week and let the amount of participation and quality of participation be our guide. I'm more optimistic than I've been in previous weeks," Tomlin said. Watt has missed the last three games after having surgery to fix a partially collapsed lung. Pittsburgh could really use one of the best pass-rushers in football for a contest that will decide the AFC North division on Sunday evening. The loser will go home. Tomlin previously said Watt wouldn't play unless he put in a full week of full practices, so we'll keep a close eye on his status this week. The 31-year-old was limited all of last week before being ruled out. If Watt is active in the regular-season finale, he almost certainly won't be at 100%.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
December 30, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Darnell Washington (forearm) had surgery on his broken forearm on Tuesday morning and will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Head coach Mike Tomlin said he has "some level of optimism for everyone else." The expectation was that Washington would not play after he broke his arm in the Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Not only will the 24-year-old not be available for the winner-take-all game this Sunday night against the Ravens, but Washington is unlikely to be able to return for the playoffs if the Steelers take care of business this weekend. It means that
Pat Freiermuth will become a slightly more attractive TE streamer in fantasy, as will
Jonnu Smith. Washington's third season in the NFL will finish with 31 catches for 364 yards and a touchdown in 16 games.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
December 30, 2025
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that the team will play its starters for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday versus the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The Rams lost to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, and with another loss to Arizona in the final week of the regular season, they'd fall to the No. 6 seed in the NFC postseason picture and have to go on the road against either the Chicago Bears or the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round. A win for the Rams on Sunday, coupled with a Seahawks win over the 49ers on Saturday night, would give L.A. the No. 5 seed and a matchup on the road against either the Carolina Panthers or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McVay said that playing his starters in Week 18 is more about wanting to play well going into the postseason.
Puka Nacua is also still in the running to be the leading WR in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
December 30, 2025
Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (thigh) played through a thigh injury in his team's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. The rookie linebacker has started all 16 games for Cleveland so far this season, recording 67 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Pro Football Focus grades Schwesinger as the 21st-best linebacker out of 86 qualified players at the position in 2025, so his presence on the field is key for the Cleveland defense. If Schwesinger remains limited by the injury in practice this week, there may not be much incentive for the 4-12 Browns to push him to play in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Should Schwesinger be sidelined, Browns linebackers Jerome Baker and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold would both likely see more playing time against Cincinnati.
--Will BradySource: Akron Beacon Journal - Chris Easterling
December 30, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident in early December, per Frank O'Laughlin of Boston 25 News. O'Laughlin reports that Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on January 23, two days before the AFC Championship game is scheduled to take place. The 32-year-old wideout has recorded 82 catches for 970 yards and four touchdowns on 99 targets across 16 games in his first season in New England. It's unclear whether these charges will impact Diggs' availability for the postseason, but any absence would obviously be a major loss for the Patriots' offense. New England recently placed wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) on Injured Reserve, so the team's depth at the position may be tested going forward.
--Will BradySource: Boston 25 News - Frank O'Laughlin
December 30, 2025
Across 16 games in 2025, Kansas City Chiefs running back
Kareem Hunt has recorded 719 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns on 173 touches. While the 30-year-old lacks explosive upside, he remains an effective short-area and goal-line rusher. Hunt's touchdown production has dried up in recent weeks, as he's failed to find the end zone in any of Kansas City's last three games. However, Hunt's playing time spiked in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, as he earned more snaps (24) than fellow Chiefs running backs
Isiah Pacheco and
Brashard Smith combined (21). Additionally, the Chiefs will face a significantly easier matchup in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Even with third-string quarterback
Chris Oladokun under center, Kansas City could have a chance to move the ball against Las Vegas. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams. Hunt could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Across 14 games this season, Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson has recorded 39 receptions for 372 yards and six touchdowns on 49 targets. The 26-year-old has seen his role in the Rams' offense grow in recent weeks. Over his last four games, Parkinson has hauled in 16 catches for 181 yards and three touchdowns on 23 targets. He's also played at least 78% of his team's offensive snaps in each of his last three outings. The Rams have been without star wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) for two straight games, and there's a chance Adams remains sidelined for Los Angeles' Week 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals as well. Without Adams, Parkinson has a chance to function as one of the primary targets for Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford in the red zone. Parkinson carries streamer appeal in Week 18 against Arizona and could be a player worth targeting on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in leagues with 12 or more teams.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed has now played in four games since returning from collarbone and foot injuries that sidelined him for nearly three months. The 25-year-old has provided modest production in that stretch, hauling in 16 receptions for 162 yards on 17 targets. From a playing time perspective, Reed has mostly functioned as Green Bay's WR3 behind
Christian Watson and
Romeo Doubs, which limits his production upside. However, the Packers are now locked into the number seven seed in the NFC playoffs heading into their Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay could choose to rest starters or limit their playing time in the season's final week, which might provide Reed with a pathway to more opportunities. In PPR fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Reed could be a player worth targeting on the waiver wire.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
The Carolina Panthers have signed free-agent tight end
Ross Dwelley to their practice squad, per ESPN's David Newton. Newton reports that Dwelley has a chance to be elevated to the active roster for Carolina's Week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in light of tight end
Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 17. Dwelley appeared in 11 games for the Detroit Lions this season, recording two receptions for seven yards on five targets. He's played in 112 career NFL games across eight seasons, hauling in 47 catches for 530 yards and five touchdowns. Carolina still has tight ends
Tommy Tremble,
Mitchell Evans, and
James Mitchell on the active roster, so Dwelley would likely fill a depth role. Tremble appears most likely to serve as the team's primary receiving tight end with Sanders sidelined.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - David Newton
December 30, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz has been a solid PPR contributor this season, and he can be a great plug-and-play option in Week 18 if he's available on the waiver wire. Schultz and the rest of the Texans' starters will be playing in their Week 18 game against the Colts, according to coach DeMeco Ryans, since the team still has a chance to win the division. Schultz has a team-high 78 catches on the season for 704 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He had three catches for 19 yards in the team's win over the Chargers, giving him at least three catches in 14 of his 16 games this season. Two of his touchdowns have come in the last three weeks as well, making him a strong option to play at tight end if you need a solution at the position for the season finale.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Utah Jazz forward/center
Kevin Love (rest) won't play on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics. The veteran will be rested for a second straight game.
Kyle Filipowski,
Taylor Hendricks, and
Cody Williams have more fantasy appeal with Love out of the lineup. Of the three players, Filipowski has had the most success on the court this season, though his recent performances have been underwhelming. In Saturday's win over the San Antonio Spurs, Filipowski had six points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 22 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Utah Jazz guard/forward
Ace Bailey (hip) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics. A left hip flexor strain will keep him sidelined for a second consecutive contest. Bailey's absence from the lineup gave
Brice Sensabaugh a starting spot on Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs. He finished the game with nine points, four rebounds, and three assists, shooting 3-for-5 from downtown. Sensabaugh has a great touch from outside, and he could be more involved in the offense on Tuesday if
Keyonte George (illness) doesn't shake off a questionable tag.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies center
Jock Landale (calf) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers. He might be out for a third consecutive game due to a right calf strain.
Christian Koloko has entered the rotation during Landale's absence, but his fantasy impact has been minimal.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and
Santi Aldama also get more work in the frontcourt with Landale out. On Tuesday, Memphis' big men could face a Philadelphia team that's without
Joel Embiid (ankle), elevating their fantasy potential.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Longtime college football and NFL coach Chip Kelly is becoming Northwestern's offense coordinator, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Kelly is known for being one of the best offensive minds in the sport, and he has a long history of putting together potent and explosive offensive attacks, especially at the collegiate level. The 62-year-old has over 30 years of coaching experience, having served in four separate head coaching roles and four separate offensive coordinator roles. He's best known for his tenure as Oregon's head coach, posting a 46-7 record and winning three Pac-12 Championships. This is a splash hire for the Wildcats, which ranked 12th in the Big Ten in total offense (346.1 YPG) and 14th in scoring offense (23.4 PPG).
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
December 30, 2025
Chicago Bears running back
Kyle Monangai is still getting plenty of work in the backfield, and he's a strong grab if he's on the waiver wire as the Bears continue to push for the second seed in the NFC. Monangai had eight carries and three catches against the 49ers, totaling 38 rushing yards and nine receiving yards.
D'Andre Swift had nine carries and two catches but was more productive with two rushing touchdowns. Monangai could get a little more work if the Bears look to get Swift some rest before the playoffs, and the matchup against the Lions should be a solid one, since Detroit's defense has struggled down the stretch, giving up seven running back touchdowns in the last three weeks.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
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